Asian backpacker

South Korea is a land of endless possibilities. Other than being a technology hub, it is also spread out with many tourist spots that are all must see places. The invigorating city lifestyle, the laid back environment of the cultural villages and the historical monuments throughout the country, the must see South Korea list consists of many tourist places. An exciting journey to this extraordinary land with both beauty and technology will provide you one of the most memorable experiences of your life. Here is a small list of the places and activities that you MUST visit and must do when you visit South-Korea:

Gyeongbokgung Palace

Gyeongbokgung, also known as Gyeongbokgung Palace or Gyeongbok Palace, is a royal palace located in northern Seoul, South Korea. Gyeongbokgung Palace is the most famous of the palaces found in the city of Seoul. If you have only 1 palace to visit, then choose this one. Within the vicinity are National Folk Museum & National Palace Museum. Very nice to walk around. Better to secure a map coz it’s easy to get lost with it’s huge size.

War Memorial of Korea

The War Memorial of Korea is the live educational center of Korean contemporary history to have a correct understanding of vivid history which have been safeguarded the free democracy including the meaning of Korean War which was the most tragic war in history. The Korean peninsula has seen many wars among and within its states as well as intrusions from neighboring powers. Over the centuries, the southern states slowly seized territory from the neighbouring states and peoples such as the Jurchen, driving the border north and consolidating the peninsula under a single state, suffering several invasions that its allies helped to overcome. The War Memorial was built to commemorate actors and victims in the wars which led to the modern nation state. The museum also has the purpose of educating future generations by collecting, preserving, and exhibiting various historical relics and records related to the many wars fought in the country from a South Korean perspective.

National parks

Koreans love hiking in the mountains, and all non-marine national parks have dozens of trails for all levels of expertise. As most of the peninsula is mountainous, Korea has many jagged mountain peaks and rolling hills offering breath taking views of the surrounding areas. Many parks have abundant plant and animal life. Korea also has several marine parks designated as national parks along its coastline. The national parks of South Korea are preserved parcels of public land in South Korea, on which most forms of development are prohibited. They cover a total of 3.7% of the country’s area, and are typically located in mountainous or coastal regions. The country’s largest mountain park is Jirisan National Park in the southwest; this was also the first national park to be designated, in 1967. The largest marine park is Dadohaehaesang; it has an area of more than 2,200 km² (850 sq mi), but almost all of this is water.

Stay at a temple

A Temple Stay is a cultural-experience program designed to help people understand Korean Buddhism better. Temple stays offer various kinds of practicing methods such as Yebul (ceremonial service involving chanting), Chamseon (Zen meditation), Dahdoh (tea ceremony) and Balwoo Gongyang (communal Buddhist meal service).

Namdaemun Market

Namdaemun Market is a large traditional market in Seoul, South Korea. The market is located next to Namdaemun, the “Great South Gate,” which was the main southern gate to the old city. It is seemingly open round-the-clock (though a few retailers close on Sunday) and is a fantastic place to pick up inexpensive clothing, housewares, fabrics, jewelry, accessories, toys, food, flowers, stationery and appliances. But it’s easy to get turned around here, as there are thousands of shops located in the 30 or so multistory buildings, not to mention an endless sprawl of street-vendor stalls. If you feel peckish, take the opportunity to graze at the dozens of food stalls; try mandu gook, a simple and savory dumpling soup, or bindae duk, a skillet-fried mung-bean pancake. Not enough places to visit? Check out part 2 and part 3!